One big difference between natural gas and coal power plants is how well they turn fuel into electricity. Natural gas plants do this more efficiently. Some newer natural gas plants are able to convert 50-60% of the energy of the fuel to electricity. Coal plants are not as efficient, converting only 33-40%. This indicates that coal plants waste more energy and require more fuel, causing more pollution.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Natural gas facilities emit less toxic gas than coal facilities. Natural gas emits approximately 0.566 kg of CO₂ per unit of kWh when combusted, while coal emits approximately 0.90 kg per unit of kWh. This makes natural gas a cleaner source of CO₂ pollution. Natural gas also leaks methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas. Methane will leak when gas is removed from the earth and transported. If over 3% of the gas escapes, the advantages of using natural gas over coal are eliminated.

Air Pollution and Health

Coal-fired power plants emit a lot of filthy air, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and small particles that can irritate the lungs. These have the potential to form smog, acid rain, and sicknesses. Natural gas is much cleaner. It contains very little sulfur, so it emits little to no SO₂, and it also emits less NOₓ. Natural gas is thus more suitable for air quality and health.

Cost and Economy

The price of generating electricity using natural gas or coal varies depending on fuel prices, operational expenses, and regulations. Natural gas facilities are more maintenance-friendly since they consume fuel in a cleaner manner. Natural gas prices, nevertheless, fluctuate. Coal prices have been more consistent, but new legislation aimed at curbing pollution increases the cost of coal. In Australia, regulations regarding reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy make coal more expensive. With increasing regulations, coal plants will also be more expensive to operate, making natural gas and renewable energy more suitable options.

Reliability and Flexibility

Natural gas and coal facilities function in different ways regarding balancing electricity needs. There are natural gas plants that are fast to switch on and off and thus would be effective to stabilize energy coming from solar power and wind power. Coal power, on the other hand, requires time to react and so less flexible. That is potentially troublesome as more of Australia utilizes renewable energy.

Environmental Impact

Coal energy damages water and land. Coal mining destroys land, destroys wildlife habitats, and consumes much water. Excess coal ash also contaminates water. Natural gas drilling, particularly fracking, carries some dangers, but overall hurts the land and water less than coal mining. Still, fracking can pollute water and even induce minor earthquakes.

Australia is heading towards cleaner energy. Natural gas is viewed by many as a “bridge” between renewable energy and coal. It has lower CO₂ emissions and is more versatile. But methane leaks can negate its climate advantage. For this reason, more experts are calling for Australia to transition to renewable energy and battery storage more quickly, rather than relying heavily on natural gas.